“Love you more.” Oakley stood and went to find their baby sister.
She found her sitting on a lava-rock wall, staring out across the water.
“Hey,” Oakley said, and Akemi looked up. “I’m sorry.”
“Okay.” Akemi looked back out at the Pacific.
Oakley stepped up onto the wall and sat down next to her sister, bare feet hanging out over the water.
“Forgive me?” she asked.
Akemi let out a huff of breath. “Sure.”
“Thank you,” Oakley said, and Akemi’s face softened into something approaching a smile. “I love you.”
“I love you too.” Akemi leaned into her.
Oakley put an arm around her sister and rested her cheek on her black hair, hot from the sun.
“I miss him.”
“Me too.”
They sat there for a long moment, and then Akemi straightened up and reached for her food.
“Howarethings going between you and Lorenzo?” Oakley asked carefully.
“They’re not.”
“Not going?”
“Not going anywhere. Adrift at sea.”
“You sound… less than thrilled about that.”
“I am less than thrilled,” Akemi echoed.
“He’ll be here soon, won’t he? For Kaleo’s birthday?”
She nodded.
“So? Tell him how you feel.”
“I would if I knew. I haven’t even seen him in six months.”
“That’s a long time.”
“I know.”
Oakley sighed, looking at her beautiful little sister. “Whatever happens, we’re here for you.”
“I know.” Akemi nudged her leg with one sandy foot.
“I’ll kick his butt, if you want.”
“I don’t think that will be necessary,” she said with a grin, “but I appreciate it.”
“I’ve got you.”